This is a recurring problem: the lack of oncologists at Taaone hospital. For two months, cancer patients no longer had a specialist to monitor them. Two oncologists have now been in post since November and others are expected.
This is an additional worry for Numaga Maire. In addition to her cancer, she has to deal with the absence of an oncologist for 2 months, the unanswered questions and the anxieties that go with it. “The nurses are not oncologists, they are only there to assist, they always tell me that “when people look at you, you look good”. But personally, I tell myself that I’m good but in the end, I’m not good since I don’t yet have the opinion of an oncologist because we don’t have a dedicated oncologist.”deplores Numaga Maire, a patient.
Numaga Maire is worried about her health, she does not have a dedicated oncologist. • ©Polynesia the 1st
The Taaone hospital regularly lacks oncologists, a victim of disjointed staff turnover. Doctor Bilger arrived this November and meets his first patients. He is expected to stay in office for at least 1 year. “The month of November is particularly busy in terms of consultations, because we are recovering a little from the patients who have been put on stand-by due to a lack of available oncologists. At the moment, the work is intensive, but we hope that on The next few weeks, the next few months things will smooth out.”explains Dr. Geoffroy Bilger, oncologist.
Other specialists are expected in the coming weeks: in January 2025, the service should have 5 oncologists in total. A relief for patients, as 850 new cases of cancer are detected each year in Polynesia.
By January 2025, 5 oncologists should come to work at the CHPF. • ©Polynesia the 1st
Lucile Guichet’s report:
©polynesie
**What are the long-term ramifications of the oncologist shortage on the overall health outcomes of cancer patients in Polynesia?**
## Interview: Addressing the Oncologist Shortage at Taaone Hospital
**Introduction:**
Welcome to World Today News. Today we’re discussing the critical issue of oncologist shortages at Taaone Hospital in Polynesia, a recurring problem that deeply affects cancer patients and their families. We’re joined by Numaga Maire, a patient who has personally experienced the challenges of this shortage, and Dr. Geoffroy Bilger, a newly appointed oncologist at the hospital.
**Section 1: Patient Perspective – Impact of the Shortage**
**Interviewer:** Numaga, thank you for sharing your story. You’ve been facing the reality of this shortage firsthand. Can you tell us about the emotional and practical challenges you’ve navigated in the absence of a dedicated oncologist?
**Follow-up questions:**
* How has the lack of access to specialized care affected your treatment plan and your overall well-being?
* What kind of support have you received from nurses and other healthcare professionals during this time?
**Section 2: Medical Professional Perspective – Causes and Solutions**
**Interviewer:** Dr. Bilger, welcome to the program. As a new oncologist at Taaone Hospital, what factors do you believe contribute to the recurrent shortage of specialists here?
**Follow-up questions:**
* What are some of the unique challenges in attracting and retaining oncologists in this particular region?
* What are the hospital’s strategies to address the shortage and ensure long-term staffing stability?
**Section 3: Looking Ahead – Hope and Future Pathways**
**Interviewer:** Numaga, knowing that more oncologists are expected to join the team in the coming months, what are your hopes for the future of your care and the care of other patients facing similar situations?
**Follow-up questions:**
* What specific improvements do you hope to see in the oncologist availability and patient care?
* What message would you like to share with policymakers and health authorities regarding the importance of this issue?
**Interviewer:** Dr. Bilger, what steps can be taken to ensure that Taaone Hospital can provide consistent, high-quality care to cancer patients, not just now, but in the years to come?
**Follow-up questions:**
* What are your thoughts on
telemedicine and other innovative approaches to expanding access to specialized care in remote areas?
* How can the community and government work together to attract and support future generations of oncologists in Polynesia?
**Closing:**
Thank you both for your insightful perspectives. The experiences shared by Numaga and the commitment of Dr. Bilger highlight the urgent need to address the oncologist shortage at Taaone Hospital. This issue goes beyond Taaone, impacting countless individuals and families throughout Polynesia.
By shedding light on this critical concern, we hope to encourage continued dialogue and action towards ensuring that everyone affected by cancer receives the care they deserve.
